Marty
With gasoline now approaching $4 a gallon (or higher in some parts of the US and globally,) anything you can do to increase your car’s efficiency and increase the miles you can squeeze out of a gallon of gas will help you keep more of your money. Below are my top ten methods you can use to save gas and save money:
- Keep your trunk and car interior free of extra items that can add significant weight which increases gasoline usage.
- Slow down. You can expect to get about 21% more mileage at 55 mph or below then at 70 mph.
- Avoid idling any longer than 30 seconds, even in cold weather. Modern cars with fuel injection systems do not require any “warm-up” when starting a cold engine. Start off slowly and gradually add speed as the engine warms.
- Keeping your tires inflated to the recommended pressure will reduce your overall gasoline consumption by over three percent.
- Avoid quick starts from a full stop. Gain speed gradually.
- Avoid quick stops. Slow down gradually including coasting to a full stop..
- Don’t use premium gasoline unless recommended by your car’s manufacturer. Typically you’ll be able to save anywhere from 10 to as much as 30 cents a gallon.
- When driving with a manual transmission, shift into high gear as quickly as possible.
- In warm climate areas, drive a car with light colored exterior and interior, to minimize absorption of extra light and heat. Installing tinted glass can also help.
- Keep your car’s wheels in proper alignment. This will help contribute to longer tire life as well as better gasoline mileage.
As I was writing this post, I thought of an 11th method you can use to help you save gas and money: Plan your trip carefully using Google Maps, MapQuest or any other online map or road atlas to minimize total miles driven when traveling to multiple destinations. You can also use a portable GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) system to automate your trip planning and provide a real time solution in providing travel directions. I use the Garmin 350
What gas savings methods do you use? I welcome your comments and reactions.
| 2.5 |
You wait till gas reaches $9.50 a gallon like we have to pay in Europe… the only way to use your gas more efficiently then is to have a smaller car, car pool, or use public transport.
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2.8 |
Good point Carl. Prices might have to get that high in the United States before we make meaningful changes in how we use energy. I hope it doesn’t have to get that high. Thank you for visiting and for your comment.
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2.5 |
I think I’m just going to invest in a horse and buggy at this point!
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2.5 |
I know what you mean Chelle. It’s definitely starting to get to that point.
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2.5 |
I have to say, that I could not agree with you in 100%, but it’s just my opinion, which could be wrong.
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2.9 |
